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Congressman Paul Ryan has courageously laid out a credible and responsible plan to reduce deficit spending, modernize entitlement programs, reform the tax code, and balance the budget without raising taxes. Is it too hot to handle in an election year?

It shouldn't be because 56 percent of Americans say they want smaller government, according to a new New York Times/CBS News poll. Other polls suggest that voters are looking for specific solutions to job creation and deficit reduction from Republicans, not just opposition to Obama's policies. But instead of engaging Mr. Ryan and the GOP in a serious discussion about how to save and strengthen Medicare and Social Security, the Democrats are already resorting to despicable political attacks: "GOP draws up plan to kill Social Security" screams the headline of an email from the DSCC targeting Republicans running for Senate seats in four states. So, I can certainly understand why some Republican leaders want to keep Ryan's "roadmap" at arms length and keep the midterms a referendum on Obama's policies. On the politics of reforming entitlements, Paul Ryan been re-elected several times in a blue-collar, swing district once held by Democrat Les Aspin, by aggressively and consistently explaining the fiscal choices facing America to his constituents, especially the elderly. Unfortunately, not every Republican is a policy wonk like Ryan.

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